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The Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon | Small Group Day Tour of the Famous Sites
Discover the pure power of Mother Earth as you explore areas of untouched nature, tectonic shifts and geothermal activity in this tour of Iceland’s most popular attractions. This tour is essential for the country's visitors as it includes Iceland’s best-known natural phenomena; Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall, Þingvellir national park and the world famous Blue Lagoon.
The geothermal area of Haukadalur valley is the home of the Geysir hot spring. Although Geysir itself is hardly active anymore, the area features other spectacular hot springs, such as Strokkur. Bring a camera because Strokkur hot spring spouts columns of water 15-20 metres up in the air every 10 minutes or so, giving you numerous opportunities to take great photos.
Geysir area is one part of the Golden Circle, a trio of scenic areas in southern Iceland which include Gullfoss waterfall and Þingvellir national park. On your tour of the south, you will also visit a volcanic crater called Kerið.
The second part of the Golden Circle is the incredible waterfall, Gullfoss. The waterfall is located in the canyon of the river Hvítá which runs from the glacier Langjökull. Gullfoss waterfall is breathtakingly beautiful as it cascades in two steps down into a 32-metre crevice. If the conditions allow, you'll be able to stand close enough to feel the water spraying gently on your face.
Þingvellir national park is not only an incredibly beautiful area, it is also historically significant and geographically unique. The national park is where the Vikings founded Iceland’s parliament, Alþingi, in the year 930, the oldest still working parliament in the world. Þingvellir is also a place where the continental drift between two tectonic plates is happening. You can clearly see evidence of this in the cracks and gorges in the region.
Last on your tour before you head your way west again is Kerið, a volcanic crater with a lake in the middle. At approximately 6500 years old, Kerið is more than 55 metres deep, 170 metres wide and 270 metres across. Kerið is comprised of red volcanic rocks, green moss grows on its sides, and the lake in the middle is filled with minerals which give the water a vivid aquamarine colour. This offers a great contrast of colours and a highly impressive scenery.
You will end the day at the Blue Lagoon, arriving there in the early afternoon for a relaxing time in the amazing hot geothermal waters. You will spend 2 hours in total at the Blue Lagoon before heading back to Reykjavík, just remember to book your voucher beforehand.
Bring a camera, pack your swimsuit and don’t miss out on seeing the pearls of Iceland on this day tour of the most famous sites. Check availability by choosing a date.
Quick facts
- Available: All year
- Duration: 11 hours
- Activities: Sightseeing, Hot Spring Bathing
- Difficulty: Easy
- Minimum age: 5 years.
- Languages: English
- Highlights: Blue Lagoon,
The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa found on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland. It is the most popular attraction in Iceland drawing people from all across the world.
The Lagoon is just a fifteen-minute drive from Keflavík International Airport, or a thirty-minute drive from Reykjavík, located between the two. It is thus often visited straight after arrival to the country or right before departure.
There are few better ways to recharge after a long-flight or action-packed holiday.
History
The Blue Lagoon started as a pool of wastewater from the Svartsengi geothermal plant in 1976. The first person to bathe there was Valur Margeirsson in 1981. He was met with some resistance prior to taking the first dip as people thought he was mad for wanting to bath in a "blue mud pool". He and others soon began to notice the unusual but remarkable healing qualities of the azure waters.
Those with conditions such as psoriasis found the waters immediately soothing for their condition. News quickly spread, and by 1987, the first swimming facilities were officially opened.
Since then, the establishment has only grown, from an open pool with no surrounding buildings to a luxurious spa, research centre and hotel.
Today
The Blue Lagoon is considered to have such notable regenerative qualities because the water is rich in silica and sulphur. A research and development facility on site finds cures and remedies for skin ailments, and silica mud is available for free on the sides of the pool for guests to enjoy a facemask.
The temperature in the bathing and swimming area is very comfortable, averaging 37–39° C (98–102° F). The Blue Lagoon also boasts the LAVA Restaurant, the Blue Café and the Lagoon Spa: you can thus enjoy cocktails, health products, delicious meals and treatments such as massages without leaving the premises. Saunas, steam rooms and a small waterfall are also on site.
For all of these reasons and more, the Blue Lagoon is considered to be one of the most enjoyable and romantic spots in the country. It is surrounded by a plethora of fantastic volcanic landscapes, and the water itself is opaque and vividly blue. Rising pillars of steam only add to the spa’s fantastic ambience.
Things to Note
The Blue Lagoon Spa is open throughout the year, and popular in every season. Due to the fact it has a maximum capacity for the comfort of its guests, it is essential that you book several months in advance to ensure your space. The vast majority of the time, you will be turned away at the door without a reservation.
More reserved guests might want to be aware that it is a requirement to shower naked in public before entering the lagoon, to ensure that the highest hygiene standards are maintained. Though uncomfortable for some, nudity has little taboo in Icelandic culture, so worry not; no-one’s looking.
Those who are travelling on a budget will note that the Blue Lagoon is quite pricey. There are other smaller spas and pools that can be entered for less, such as the Fontana Spa, Secret Lagoon, Mývatn Nature Baths and Krauma Spa. Of course, natural hot pools are free to enter.
For more information, you can read articles on the best pools in the country and the best natural hot springs.
Golden Circle,The Golden Circle is a 300 kilometre (186 mile) route to the three most popular natural attractions in Iceland: the Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss Waterfall and Þingvellir National Park.
This sightseeing trail is easy to do within half a day from Reykjavík, either by self-drive or on one of many tours. Some of these tours have additional activities, such as snorkelling or snowmobiling, or are conducted in a unique style, such as by helicopter, or under the midnight sun.
Within the three locations of the Golden Circle are some of the clearest examples of Iceland’s fascinating geological forces, magnificent landscapes, and rich culture.
The Geysir Geothermal Area
The Geysir Geothermal Area is a hot-spring haven in Haukadalur Valley. As could be guessed, it is home to a famous geyser, the name of which has named all others: Geysir itself.
Though this feature is currently in a phase of inactivity, its neighbour Strokkur more than makes up for it. Every five to ten minutes, it blasts a column of boiling water to heights that can reach over 40 metres (131 feet).
The surrounding area is dotted with fumaroles, hot springs, and mud-pits. There are also two other smaller geysers, Smiður and Litlí-Strokkur, that can be easily visited, as well as a hotel, restaurant, cafe and gift shop across the road.
Gullfoss Waterfall
The 'Golden Waterfall', Gullfoss one of the most beautiful and powerful waterfalls in Iceland, plummeting 32 metres (105 feet) in two tiers into the river gorge of the popular rafting river Hvítá. It is just a ten-minute drive from Geysir and is the furthest point on the Golden Circle from Reykjavík.
Gullfoss was very almost lost in the early 20th century when British developers sought to harness its incredible power for geothermal energy. Though they got the lease to the land, allowing them to go ahead with their plans, they met an unlikely adversary: the daughter of the farmer who owned it, Sigríður Tómasdóttir.
This resilient woman refused to see the waterfall, to which she and her sisters paved the first path, destroyed. She, therefore, walked over 200 kilometres (124 miles) to Reykjavík and back multiple times to meet with a lawyer in order to help change the decision.
Though the process was arduous and took years, eventually Sigríður managed to exhaust the resources of the businessmen and they withdrew their plans. Because of her, all Icelandic waterfalls are now protected from foreign investors, and she is considered one of Iceland’s first environmentalists and most important historical people.
Thingvellir National Park
The largest attraction of the Golden Circle is Þingvellir National Park. The Icelandic parliament was founded here in 930 and remained until the year 1798 before moving to Reykjavík, making it the original site of what is now the world’s longest ongoing parliament.
Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important places to visit in Iceland. This is not just for its historical and cultural values, but for also its magnificent landscape and dramatic geology.
Þingvellir is surrounded by a beautiful mountain and volcanic ranges, as it is located in a rift valley directly between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. This makes it one of the few places in the world where you can walk between the continents, in the Mid-Atlantic Rift.
The daring and qualified even have opportunities to snorkel or scuba dive in this no-mans-land, in a ravine filled with crystal-clear spring water called Silfra. The visibility here can exceed 100 metres (328 feet), revealing incredible geological sites. Though it never freezes over due to the constant flow of water into it, it is 2°C (35°C) throughout the year, thus underwater explorers are always equipped with protective suits.
Other sites of note are the magnificent Almannagjá gorge, which you can walk down into to reach the rift valley from the North American tectonic plate, and the beautiful lake Þingvallavatn, the largest lake in Iceland, which gleams to the south of the National Park.
Surrounding sites
Due to its convenient location in south-west Iceland, it is easy to visit the Golden Circle alongside with many other sites. Those seeking relaxation could head to the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir or Fontana Spa in Laugarvatn, those seeking adventure could book a trip to the ice tunnels of Langjökull glacier, and those seeking culture could visit the Sólheimar ecovillage. For more natural beauty, you can visit the nearby Kerið crater lake.
There are many tours that include such bonuses, but if driving yourself, you should check out this guide to great detours off the Golden Circle.
Geysir,Geysir is a famous hot spring in the geothermal area of Haukadalur Valley, found in south-west Iceland.
Making up just one of the attractions along the world-renowned Golden Circle sightseeing route, alongside Þingvellir National Park and the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir is most well-known for having lent its name to geysers all around the world.
Geography
Though Geysir itself is rarely active these days, Haukadalur Valley boasts a plethora of hot springs and geysers, including the powerful Strokkur, Smiður and Litli-Strokkur.
Strokkur is, arguably, the country’s most famous hot spring, shooting vast jets of boiling water from 20 metres (65 feet) up to 40 metres (130 feet) high. Don’t worry about missing this incredible spectacle of nature, as Strokkur erupts every five to ten minutes; just make sure to have your camera ready.
Geysir is much larger, but years can go by between eruptions here; it is currently in an inactive phase. When it does erupt, the water can shoot up in the air as high as 70 metres (230 feet).
Just a few minutes walk north of Geysir are a wealth of fumaroles emanating steam and gas into the cool Icelandic air. Aside from watching the hypnotic pillars of steam, you will also be able to observe the yellow sulphuric stains along the fumaroles themselves, a result of the earth’s minerals crystallising around the rock bed.
At the southern part of the valley, Þykkuhverir, you’ll find various bubbling mud pots. These spooky brown cauldrons are actually fumaroles that boil up through the loose ground; after a dry spell, these mud pools are likely to transform into a hardened fumarole.
Nearby Attractions
About two kilometres (one mile) from Geysir is a preserved natural pool called Kúalaug. It has room for three to five people at a time, but care should be taken, as the area around the pool is very delicate. The temperature is 39-43°C (102-109°F), depending on where you are positioned in the pool.
The water is slightly muddy, as the pool is built on soil, and the bottom is slippery due to algae, so caution is advised when relaxing here.
Haukadalur has also seen a rise in reforestation in recent times thanks to continued experiments and research in the area. Today, Haukadalsskógur is one of the largest forests in south Iceland, boasting accessible walking paths (also for wheelchair users), fascinating vegetation and The Tree Museum, built in the memory of forester Gunnar Freysteinsson.
History
Haukadalur has been inhabited and used as a church site since the Age of Settlement. Given its historic value, it should be noted that scholar, Ari “The Wise“ Þorgilsson, grew up here; it was also where the first pastoral school in Iceland was built.
The current wooden church was last rebuilt in 1938 but its architectural style dates back to 1842, making it well worth a visit to see how Iceland looked before industrialisation.
For accommodation, Hotel Gullfoss is approximately 7 kilometre from the Geysir area, and closer still is Hotel Geysir on the other side of the road from the attraction, where you will also find a restaurant, café and a souvenir shop.
Gullfoss,Gullfoss (translated to ‘Golden Falls’) is one of Iceland’s most iconic and beloved waterfalls, found in the Hvítá river canyon in south-west Iceland.
The water in Hvítá river travels from the glacier Langjökull, before cascading 32 meters (105 feet) down Gullfoss’ two stages in a dramatic display of nature’s raw power. This incredible site is seen by most visitors, as it is on the Golden Circle sightseeing route.
Because of the waterfall’s two stages, Gullfoss should actually be thought of as two separate features. The first, shorter cascade is 11 metres (36 feet), whilst the second drop is 21 metres (69 feet). The canyon walls on both sides of the waterfall reach heights of up to 70 metres (230 feet), descending into the great Gullfossgjúfur canyon. Geologists believe that this canyon was formed by glacial outbursts at the beginning of the last age.
In the summer, approximately 140 cubic metres (459 cubic feet) of water surges down the waterfall every second, whilst in winter that number drops to around 109 cubic metres (358 cubic feet). With such energy, visitors should not be surprised to find themselves drenched by the waterfall’s mighty spray.
As mentioned, Gullfoss makes up a part of the highly popular Golden Circle sightseeing route, alongside Geysir geothermal area and Þingvellir National Park. Many Golden Circle tours include additional activities that can be taken from Gullfoss, such as ascending the mighty nearby glacier Langjökull and entering its ice tunnels, or snowmobiling along its gleaming surface.
History
In the early days of the last century, Gullfoss was at the centre of much controversy regarding foreign investors and their desire to profit off Iceland’s nature. In the year 1907, an English businessman, Howell, sought to utilise the waterfall’s energy and harboured ambitions to use its energy to fuel a hydroelectric plant.
At the time, Gullfoss was owned by a farmer named Tómas Tómasson. Tómas declined Howell’s offer to purchase the land, stating famously “I will not sell my friend!” He would, however, go on to lease Howell the land without the knowledge of a loophole that would allow him to proceed with his plans.
It was Tómas’ daughter, Sigríður Tómasdóttir, who would lead the charge to stop Howell’s ambitions. Having grown up on her father’s sheep farm where she helped pave the first road to Gullfoss, she sought to get the contract nullified, hurriedly saving her own money to hire a lawyer.
The ensuing legal battle was an uphill struggle; the case continued for years, forcing Sigríður to travel many times by foot to Reykjavík, a distance of over 100 kilometres (62 miles). Circumstances became so difficult that Sigríður threatened to throw herself into the waterfall if any construction began.
Her tenacity, however, resulted in success. In 1929, Howell’s withdrew from the lease, unable to keep up with the costs and difficulties of his plan. The waterfall fell back into the hands of the Icelandic people.
Today, Sigríður is recognised for her perseverance in protecting Gullfoss and is often hailed as Iceland’s first environmentalist. As such, she is one of the most famous figures in Iceland’s history. Her contribution is forever marked in stone; a plaque detailing her plight sits at the top of Gullfoss.
Interestingly, the lawyer who assisted Sigríður, Sveinn Björnsson, went on to go down in history too; he became the first president of Iceland in 1944.
Restaurant / Cafe
Besides Gullfoss, visitors can enjoy the views from Gullfoss Cafe, a locally run delicatessen that serves a wide variety of refreshments and meals. The menu has options to tantalise everyone’s taste buds: hot soups, sandwiches, salads and cakes. There is also a shop on site where visitors’ can browse and purchase traditional Icelandic souvenirs.
Þingvellir,Þingvellir National Park is the only UNESCO World Heritage site on the Icelandic mainland and one of the three stops on the world famous Golden Circle sightseeing route, alongside the Haukadalur Geothermal Valley (Geysir) and Gullfoss Waterfall. Just to the south of the park is Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest natural lake.
Geography
The first thing that visitors to the National Park notice is its sheer aesthetic beauty; dried magma fields, covered in Icelandic moss, sit carved by glacial springs and surrounded by a bowl of ancient mountain peaks.
Two of the greatest attractions in the park are the exposed North American and Eurasian tectonic plates; it is one of the only regions in the world where you can see geology such as this on land.
Visitors are encouraged to walk along the North American tectonic plate, where they can read more about the area’s fascinating formation and history, before descending into the valley below.
History
Þingvellir can be anglicised to ‘Fields of Parliament’, a nod to the area’s fascinating history and relevance to Icelandic culture. It is here, after all, that the world’s first democratically elected parliament that remains functioning, Alþingi, was formed in 930 AD.
It may seem unlikely that Vikings would want to be under such an uncombative government, but the thirty or so clans that lived in Iceland at the time sought to prosper in their harsh new environment.
The first gathering was such a success that the meetings became annual, and it became a place where disputes were settled, criminals were tried, and laws to the benefit of all were laid down.
This saw the birth of the Icelandic Commonwealth, a time of independence and freedom for the Icelandic people before they became constituents of the Norwegian monarchy. Sessions would continue to be held at Þingvellir until 1798.
Though the parliament was removed by the Danish at this time, it returned 1845 to Reykjavík.
Another major reason as to why Þingvellir is considered so important to Icelanders is the fact that this is where the decision was made to abandon the belief of Paganism and the Norse Gods; the people adopted Christianity in 1000 AD under threat of invasion from Norway.
This turning point in history was left to the pagan lawspeaker, Þorgeir Þorkelsson, who rested on the choice for one day and one night before reappearing to share his decision.
To symbolise the country’s change, he threw idols of his old deities into the northern waterfall Goðafoss, the name of which translates to ‘Waterfall of the Gods’.
Silfra Fissure
Þingvellir is one of the most widely visited attractions in Iceland, in large part due to the fact that it is home to the glacial spring, Silfra fissure, one of the top ten sites in the world for snorkellers and scuba divers.
Silfra (meaning ‘Silver’) is a submerged ravine within the park, boasting visibility of up to 100 metres (328 feet) and a temperature just above freezing. Participants in these tours will be attired at the Silfra carpark in neoprene hoodies and gloves, as well as an undersuit and drysuit for thermal protection.
Hveragerði,Hveragerði is a town and municipality in the southwest of Iceland. It is often nicknamed ‘the Earthquake Town’ or ‘the Hot Spring Town’, due to the active geological and geothermal forces that define it.
Hveragerdi town and services
Hveragerði is around 45 kilometres (28 miles) from the capital Reykjavík and takes half an hour to drive to along the Ring Road travelling south. Around 2,300 people live in Hveragerði, most employed in tourism, horticulture or agriculture.
There is a service centre in the town with shops, including an alcohol shop, a supermarket, a gas station, an information point, and a cafe. There are several restaurants as well, and just outside it is a popular horse farm.
Surrounding the town are nice botanical areas and many recreational activities are available. There are excellent hiking trails as well as nice hotels and a camping ground which is open in the summer months.
In terms of culture, a number of museums can be found in Hveragerði, such as the Árnesingar art museum and Hveragerði Stone and Mineral Museum. The town even hosts an annual culture and family festival in August.
Geography of Hveragerdi
Hveragerði sits on a highly geothermal area. Boiling water runs just beneath the surface of the ground, leading to many hot springs in the nearby hills. This is both a blessing for the town and a curse.
In terms of a blessing, it allows greenhouses to flourish, as they can be provided with heat throughout the year. Hveragerði is thus the world’s northernmost producer of bananas, which are grown alongside a host of other fruits and vegetables.
Many flowers and herbs are also grown here, and it is considered the centre of botany in Iceland.
The boiling water also allows food to be cooked simply by burying it for a few hours, providing the restaurants in the area with unique menus. It also brings the area a wealth of tourism.
The curse of this geothermal water is the effect it has on the residents. Stories of hot springs opening overnight in people’s kitchens, bedrooms and living rooms are very common.
Also, due to the Mid-Atlantic rift running through Iceland, many earthquakes hit Hveragerði. Fortunately, the houses are built here to withstand tremors, due to how common they are, but there is a lingering knowledge that a powerful earthquake or eruption could cause serious, perhaps irreparable damage to the settlement.
The river Varmá runs from the valley of Reykjadalur through the town. This region, which translates to the 'Steam Valley', is an incredibly popular place for hot spring bathing and hiking.
A gravel road that leads from Hveragerði takes you to the base of the hiking trail, which winds up, down and around beautiful, scenic hills dotted with fumaroles and mud pits.
It ends by a river that is fed by hot springs, meaning it is heated from the top, allowing visitors to choose the perfect place to bathe. There are no indoor changing areas, but screens to undress behind.
KeriðKerið is a volcanic crater lake in the Grímsnes area of South Iceland. It is close to the three major sites that comprise Iceland’s world-famous Golden Circle sightseeing route and thus makes for the perfect detour for those on visiting these landmarks.
Kerid and the Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most popular tourist route. Its three main highlights are Gullfoss, or the ‘Golden Waterfall’; the Haukadalur Geothermal Valley, with its many springs and geysers; and Þingvellir National Park, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site on Iceland’s mainland and the birthplace of the country’s parliament.
There are several tour operators who offer trips to the Golden Circle. Many of those define their tours from others with extra stops, and Kerið crater is the most popular of these. It is approximately 40 minutes drive from Þingvellir and Haukadalur in different directions, providing visitors with two routes by which they can return to Reykjavík.
If travelling to Kerið crater alone, please be aware that there is a small entrance fee, of 400 ISK (about two Euros, or three US dollars). This is only to help the landowners preserve and protect the crater; after all, it is on privately owned land.
Other sites you may want to detour on when travelling the Golden Circle are the Sólheimar ecovillage, the Fontana Spa in Laugarvatn, the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir, and the Friðheimar tomato and horse farm.
Geology of Kerid
Kerið is approximately three thousand years old, making it roughly half the age of most volcanic calderas found in Iceland. This is the major reason as to why Kerið’s slopes are red in colour, rather than a volcanic black; the iron deposits are, geologically speaking, fresh.
This vivid redness is part of the appeal of visiting this crater. The crimson rocks contrast dramatically with their surroundings, particularly the intense azure colour of the waters within the crater lake, and the verdant bursts of vegetation.
Kerið is approximately 55 metres (180 feet) deep, 170 metres (558 feet) wide and 270 meters (886 feet) in circumference. It is possible to take a path right to the crater’s edge, to fully encircle it, and to descend down to the pristine waters of the crater lake.
Many crater lakes can be found in nearby, a region known as Iceland's Western Volcanic Zone. The area surrounding it is of barren, stark lava fields, further illustrating the volcanism of the region.
Scientists believe that Kerið was once a cone-shaped volcano. Upon eruption, it is widely believed that the volcano depleted its magma reserve, causing the foundation to fall in upon itself and result in the formation it has today. Of course, this was two thousand years before settlement, so no one is quite certain.
At some point in the centuries following the collapse, Kerið crater filled with water. The resulting lake is between seven and fourteen metres deep, depending on the time of year and the amount of rainfall.
The reason why the lake is so vividly coloured is that of the minerals from the rocks, seeping into and dyeing the water the aquamarine colour for which it is renowned.
Pickup time : 08:30, 09:30.
Pickup takes place between 08:30 - 09:00 - so please be ready from 8:30 at your pick up location. Should your pickup location be at a bus stop and you need assistance finding it, seek guidance in your Hotel's reception or contact your tour provider directly.
English guide
Pickup & drop-off in Reykjavík
Entrance to the Kerið Crater
Entrance to the Blue lagoon
Meals
What to bring:
Warm clothes
Good hiking shoes
Swimsuit
Camera
Good to know:
You will need to reserve the Blue Lagoon in advance on the Blue Lagoon website. The tour reaches the Lagoon just before 17:00 and departs from there at 19:00.
If tickets to the Blue Lagoon are not available on their website, please let your tour provider know as soon as possible, no later than 48 hours before your tour departure, as they can in many cases supply standard tickets to the Blue Lagoon.
Reviews
English
Eva Khane
The program was amazing and all stops great, nice weather. The guide, Marek, was friendly but had no local stories to tell.
Shauna Staveley
The tour guide was very friendly, punctual, and he actually took us to a bonus waterfall! I think the choice of locations was a perfect tour for a full day. I also think the timing of the tour was almost perfect. We had just enough time to take in each site before moving on. I think the only one that might be better with an extra hour or so would be Blue Lagoon. I also need to give the guide credit, because he had to drive us to our last site (Blue Lagoon), and then home, in severe wind conditions and the bus was getting blown pretty badly across the road at points. It must have been very stressful! I almost wonder if we should have not gone to the last stop due to the winds, which actually grounded planes (all IcelandAir flights were cancelled for two days because of it). The Blue Lagoon was a crazy experience in the wind. It was like a tide pool! But overall it was wonderful anyway. I don't blame the guide for the weather, just a good heads up that tourists should also check the weather so they can be prepared and ask questions or make decisions about the tour .... It is Iceland, after all!
Eunice
I HIGHLY recommend NICE TRAVEL for the Golden Circle + Blue Lagoon trip. << 1 >> FANTASTIC, TIMELY tour guide (you'd be surprised how late/ manual getting on a tour bus is in Reykjavik when you visit. You get picked up at the same location as those who go with other tour agencies. Many are late/ some don't show up. You got to find a tour agency that's reliable and this one is it!) << 2 >> GREAT itinerary and timing (not too slow, not too fast. Timing was right so that my friend and I can enjoy the scenery, take pictures and grab bites to eat (and use the toilet). << 3 >> NEW vans (with USB chargers for each seat, comfy chairs and not rocky when we're driving) If you are looking for a GREAT tour in Reykjavik with reliable, professional people, pick NICE TRAVEL. I'd DEFINITELY go with them again next time I'm in Iceland!
Brittany Holmstrom
Great tour and tour guide. He did a great job of managing time, allowing us to have enough time at each stop. We also were able to see Icelandic horses and stop at a bakery, which was a nice addition. It was a long day but ending it with the blue lagoon was a great touch.
Kim De Pecker
Great tour and guide Pablo! Beautiful day! Would recommend it!
Ray
The tour was amazing despite the winter weather conditions, and the guide ensured that we got everywhere safely and on time. Because this tour includes a trip to the Blue Lagoon, the stops tend to be a little shorter, but if you are short on time in Iceland this is totally worth it. A comment for improvement: it was nice that the guide offered crampons for the tour, but there weren't enough for everyone and the sizes were really off. It's a good thought, but people who didn't get them were disappointed.
Kristina Westervelt
It was a great tour! Our tour guide, Schooly (Skooly?), was really funny and kind, and wanted us to have a great experience on the tour. He even made a few extra stops so we could take pictures, and got us to the Blue Lagoon early so we got more time there as well. This tour is definitely a "must" in Iceland, and covered a lot of ground for us since we were not in this gorgeous country for nearly enough time.
Kristina Kennedy
It was a great tour! Our tour guide, Schooly (Skooly?), was really funny and kind, and wanted us to have a great experience on the tour. He even made a few extra stops so we could take pictures, and got us to the Blue Lagoon early so we got more time there as well. This tour is definitely a "must" in Iceland, and covered a lot of ground for us since we were not in this gorgeous country for nearly enough time.
Patty Hanlon Rommel
FANTASTIC TOUR. WE LOVED ICELAND. EVEN THE SKIES COOPERATED AS WE DID SEE THE DANCING NORTHERN LIGHTS. WESAW AND DID SO MUCH DURING OUR STAY IT IS HARD TO SAY WHAT WE LLIKED THE BEST. ICELANDIC PEOPLE ARE THE KINDEST, AND HELPFUL PEOPLE. THEY ARE ALWAYS WILLING TO HELP. THE PERLON EXPERIENCE WAS AMAZING. LOVED THE ICE CAVE, BLUE LAGOON AND THE NATIONAL PARK. ACTUALLY THERE WAS NOTHING WE DIDNT LOVE.
Punjapha Pitigraisorn
I recommend this tour because it includes highlights that is a must in Iceland. However, I travel during December, the winter time. It has to remind that the arrival time to Blue Lagoon was 5 pm, means that you are unable to take beautiful photos in the Lagoon because it's completely dark. I understand and I admit that. You will enjoy the warm Lagoon anyway. The driver communication was a bit difficult to understand but it is still acceptable. However, it sometimes we should have unpleasant tour member (s). I have had one guy who was trying to sit on my seat which I sat since the tour start. His seat was picked by another person too. What he have done is not taking his seat back, Otherwise, he choose another's person seat. I did not allow him and tell him to find other seats and I nearly have a debate with him. Lucky that this horrible guy finally move to other seats. During that time, the driver did not try to solve this (silly) problem to me that much. He just said 'I don't know. Everybody please go back to seat (once)' and he also tell me to be patient too. Sorry? do I have to have a patient with that kind of person? All I need to say is, I understand that the driver is the driver. He drives us to the place. But if there is this situation happen, It should have been him/her to solve it. This is not huge but it's annoying. Everybody should remain the same seat since the tour starts until it is finish. It really a common sense. Just some one and sometimes we might have met unpleasant people. I don't want the driver to take a role as the lead but you should have take any actions at some point for some unpleasant tour member.
Anna Hasselkus
Great tour! Very interesting, highly recommend it!!
Jill Brown
Excellent tour. Our guide, Thor, was knowledgeable and entertaining and kept us entertained throughout the day. We enjoyed every aspect of the trip, but the waterfall was the highlight....stunning. A must do trip for anyone visiting Iceland
Jamie Shand
Amazing tour. Very well organised and plenty of info from the tour guide between locations
malka adler
This was my best day! Got picked up ontime in a mini bus went to all the stops on the itinerary plus more. Had perfect enough time at every stop to enjoy it and ended off the day at the blue lagoon which was awesome! Definitely a must to do when you visit
Bailey Danahy
This was an amazing Tour ! It was so nice to not have to drive ourselves around (it was very windy that day and I definitely trust a local driving more than myself). Our tour guide was very knowledgable and friendly, I believe his name was Henrik. You definitely need to Dress warm and wear a water proof coat as the geyser could get you wet when it explodes . It was amazing to see all of the beautiful geological wonders of Iceland !
Joanne Glasby
This tour was amazing. I would definitely recommend this golden circle and blue lagoon tour. The guide was very helpful and friendly. I booked the blue lagoon for 5 as recommended and we arrived punctually. This tour takes in some great sites and you have ample time to wander around. Lunch is not provided but one of the stops has a good canteen type facility so no need to take a pack up. We thoroughly enjoyed our day and our time in Iceland.
judy guinan
This was amazing! I wasn't expecting what we saw! The guide ( Reymir A) was very knowledgeable and friendly. He knew what he was talking about. I would suggest this adventure
Morri
Couldn't recommend this highly enough. The guides were knowledgeable and extremely helpful. A wheelchair was organised at all stops, except the volcano and the extra one to feed the horses. This enabled my mother, who is partially disabled, to see and experience much more than she could have done otherwise. It was not expected, but very much appreciated, as was the guides assistance. A must do tour. I would recommend that you have some spare change to purchase 'horse candy' to feed these gorgeous animals. I would recommend choosing this company for any guided tour of this beautiful country.
Andy Ly
Natalia Patulska
Tour was good! Depending on what time of the year you are going, you should have warm and waterproof clothes, unless you prefer to be fashionable, freezing and look ridiculous :) Also make sure you get ticket to blue lagoon. I personally think it was not enough time. We got there at 17:00 and got picked up at 19:00; by the time you queue up, get to the locker and shower you loose quite a bit of time. Standard ticket gives you free towel, one drink and mud mask. It is very expensive and considering you can stay there as long as you want next time I would book transfer to blue lagoon separately so I can spend more time there. Would recommend bringing your own slippers and robe as well (if you have space in the bag).
Andrew H Salveson
This was the highlight of our trip! Our guide did the stops out of order to avoid the large crowds. He also made extra stops with the time we saved!
Emily Kenyon
This was an absolutely packed fun day for exploring. The views were breathtaking and making a quick detour to pet and feed Icelandic horses made the trip even more special. And finishing the day at the Blue Lagoon was a nice way to end a cold and rainy day.
Orsolya Timar
Alexandra
We enjoyed the tour. The guide told us lots of interesting facts about Iceland, always informed us before we stepped out to view the area. We had plenty of time at each stop. Make sure to get your ticket ahead of time, ours was for the 5pm slot at the blue lagoon. Loved finishing the tour with the Blue Lagoon, it is a must when you visit!
JG
Amazing day. Our tour guide, Thor, was hilarious and knowledgeable and made the entire day a great experience. Seeing the sights of the Golden Circle and then ending the day at the Blue Lagoon is a perfect tour. We felt like we had ample time to take in each site and thoroughly enjoyed the Lagoon as well. Highlight of the trip.
Danna Folkers
Wonderful tour! Everything was on time and efficient. Our tour guide was friendly and easy going. It was on a small, comfortable, bus of about 20 people which was better than a huge bus. There is a lot of drive time between each stop but you get to cover a lot of ground and see a lot of Iceland in a relatively short amount of time. I'd recommend it!
Adalene Tan
If I have to pick my most favorite day tours for my trip, it would be this! We were picked up on time and it was a mini bus. The number of people is just nice (without being too crowded) and our driver/tour guide is fantastic and friendly! We covered quite a number of places and our guide even brought us to see Icelandic horses. We were allocated sufficient time at each location and my family really enjoyed themselves in this trip. This is definitely a must-book tour if you visit Iceland.
Donna
Overall scences covered. Bus is crowded. Pickup is messy.
Lia Pema
I enjoyed the Golden Circle trip. I was able to see Kerid, Thingvellir, Geysir and Strokkur thermal springs, the Blue Lagoon and the Gulfoss waterfall. The Blue Lagoon was very touristy but the an absolute see. Be aware to pay only 80 euros standard ticket. They charge you 20 euros extra for a towel with an upgrade. Don't take an upgrade, take just the standard ticket. There are plenty of towels and you get a free mud mask and a free drink provided.
Barbara McQuarrie
Fantastic tour - so much to see and great value for a very full day. We had an "Italian Viking" (his description) guide called Stefano (hope I spelt that right) who was really knowledgeable and keen to make sure we made the most of all the places we visited and got the maximum time there. The only snag for me was the icy wind at Geysir and Gulfoss that almost froze my fingers off trying to take photos, but nothing Stefano could do anything about, though he did park as close as he could! Worth taking some serious glove inners if you want to take pictures. And the Blue Lagoon was just as luxurious as I'd hoped.
Susan Brash
My friends and I had a fantastic time on this tour! Our guide Thomas was engaging, funny and gave us lots of information on the long rides! The weather was a little crazy but our driver, Henrick (Not sure on the spelling) kept us safe the whole day! The sights were so beautiful and worth standing in the cold and wind! Blue Lagoon is a perfect end to this day and we got plenty of time to swim and enjoy a drink! Highly recommend!
Lindsay Brunt
I fully recommend this tour to anyone. We had a fantastic guide called Thor so if you are lucky enough to get him on your tour, he will keep you entertained! Having a guide who knows the area inside out was fundamental. We came away with lots of trivia and even heard a few Icelandic songs. Unfortunately, due to 120mph winds, our transfer to the Blue Lagoon was cancelled, but Nice Travel couldn’t have done any more, even supplying a bus for the next day at no extra charge.
Emily Appleton
A lovely day, I can't remember the guide's name :( but he was lovely and picked us up straight from our Airbnb which was a huge help. He allowed us plenty of personal space and freedom to explore the sights and was kind enough to give us the full two hours at the Lagoon despite running a bit late on the tour. The tour was unlike anything we had experienced before and despite it being a long day we had the best time! Would definitely recommend.
John ward
The experience we had was unforgettable
Victoria Bennett
Excellent tour!! Really friendly and knowledgable tour guide. Golden circle was magical and was amazing stopping off to see some beautiful Icelandic horses. Blue lagoon was the perfect relaxing end to a full on day. Highly recommend.
brucewestforth
Wonderful. Stefano, our guide, was knowledgeable and personable as well. The tour was a long day. But it was made enjoyable by our engaging guide, Stefano. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who wanted to experience the magic that is Iceland.
Sarah Molloy
I would highly recommend this tour. It was a full day tour that involved travelling in a very comfortable minibus while visiting some of the most beautiful sights of Iceland. The tour guide was very knowledgable and allowed us our own time at each destination. The Golden Circle part of the tour and The Blue Lagoon were equally amazing . While it is a long day, it is completely worth it and it was one of our most favourite parts of our trip!
Pip Hoe
First class from the moment Roman the driver and guide for the day picked us up. He was very knowledgable on all the interesting sites we visited but also had a vast wealth of knowledge in relation to Iceland’s history which we found very interesting indeed. The Blue Lagoon experience was the perfect relaxing ending to a very memorable day. I would recommend Nicetravel tour company without doubt.
Sarah Martin
Very well organized in general. We had a very nice and handsome guide, Ross, and he was patient and kind with us - even helping find a pharmacy for a guest who sprained his wrist. The sites were amazing but I wish we had a bit more time at the Allthing - it was cold and everyone wanted hot chocolate and the lines at the gift shop were long so it took a lot longer than we wanted and I felt rushed since I couldn't see it all. A bit more discussion from the driver ahead of time would have helped but it was really our fault for not timing it well. Being able to purchase the Blue Lagoon tickets from the tour driver was also great (as they were sold out for the time we wanted). I only had one complaint, while waiting at the bus stop to be picked up (30 minutes in the cold! with no shelter!) three different NICE buses pulled up but the first two were not for our tour. It would be useful if you could tell the guests either the license plate number for the bus for our tour or more identifying info because it was super disappointing to think you were getting out of the cold because your bus has arrived and it isn't the one for you.
Andrea Dell'Anna
Fantastic experience! As it was the first time in Iceland, we had to do this and the guy drove us through the main landmarks of the area with excellent experience, while entertaining us with stories and anecdotes that belong to this marvellous land! They're really organised and the service was higher than the expectations! Finishing a day like that with the blue lagoon is something is worth living for!
Emma
The tour was excellent! The tour guide was prompt and informative! The sites itself were breath taking and had enough time to enjoy each site! The blue lagoon at the end was perfect to unwind and relax after a busy day of sightseeing. I would recommend this tour! To top it all off David showed us his favourite restaurant by the harbour and we enjoyed a delicious cod diner that same evening!
Bianca Blaettner
Excellent tour with a very knowledgeable tour guide. We saw amazing sites, and he gave us all the history and information we needed. We even had enough time to stop and pet some horses. Would highly recommend!
Camilla Karlsson
Excellent tour with a very nice tour guide. (Too bad it was raining all day.) Loved the scenery and the views. The Blue Lagoon is the perfect ending to a nice day.
Nate Hoffman
I would highly recommend this tour! Our tour guide even took us to an extra waterfall and tried to let us see some Icelandic horses near Kerid.
Clare Skelton-Auchincloss
We booked the Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon tour with Nice Travel and I can honestly say it was fantastic. I didn’t catch the name of our driver but he was Ukrainian and had lived in Iceland 11 years. He was very intelligent and shared so much knowledge, it was a fascinating trip. He obviously had a very long day but he was very patient and we never felt rushed. It was a shame though he had to have 6 very rude Chinese passengers on the trip who felt it was fine to be late back to the bus and talk through his dialogue but I was quite happy to tell them to be quiet. Your driver and guide is an absolute credit to you and for this reason, I would have no hesitation in recommending this trip. There are no hidden costs either. You know you have to pay for food and the Blue Lagoon so it is good to not have to worry about anything.
Tori Burton
This was an excellent tour. The guides were fun and exceptionally friendly. There weren't too many people, but it was a nice group and as a single traveler I met some great people. There was a lot to see and plenty of time at all of the stops. Each sight got better and better and the blue lagoon was a spectacular way to end the day. Free wifi/USB outlets are a plus for sure, which they don't all have. Nice travel is an excellent choice and I would definitely pick them again!
Fenella Walker
This was a fantastic tour. Iceland is an amazing place and the guide was knowledgeable but also gave us a good amount of time at all destinations. The weather changed constantly but it makes Iceland even more beautiful. Ending in the Blue Lagoon was fantastic. What an amazing place. I would highly recommend this tour.
Alexandra Tillson
The day and tour were truly exceptional. My tour guide Robert set a welcoming tone. Also of note, the vans had outlets so we could charge our phones (and wifi). I went on another tour later in the week and the van didn't have power outlets; it makes a difference. We lucked out with weather for sure. We had plenty of time at each site and there was a good balance of downtime and sharing information about the area. I would definitely use again (because yes I want to come back to Iceland!) and recommend to others.
Paul Rose
An excellent day out with an excellent driver and a very personable and knowledgeable guide
Shmuel Bar
Great - Iceland is one of the most hospitable countries I have visited (and I have visited a lot!). The tour was perfect.
Phoebe Tam
i will introduce to my fads!!
Martina Regan
We had two tours and they were great. Both tour guides were friendly and very helpful. The golden circle tour with Kerio Crater and blue lagoon was brilliant. Everyone was on time so we got to see some extra scenery. We got to the Blue Lagoon at 5pm and there wasn't too many people there so was a great time to go. We took our own sandwiches and snacks for all the tours as food is expensive in the restaurants. Had a great time.
Shelly Schubert-travels
We had a great Golden Circle tour and Blue Lagoon experience. Our guide David, was very knowledgeable and friendly. I booked a South Coast tour for the next day with a different company and regretted it. It was mostly narrated by an audio guide which was very disappointing. David kept our tour fun and interesting.
Marika Teeäär
The best tour ever ! Thank you !
Callie Siu
A most excellent tour for experiencing the wonders of Iceland. A small tight knit tour allows for more flexibility in time spent at the different locations, we were even able to squeeze in some special secret stops as well! I was super satisfied with my tour guide, Thor, He was incredibly nice and easy to talk to. Definitely would recommend this your for someone who is only staying for a short time and wants to get the most out of their time in Iceland.
Elaine Dunbar-Kilduff
This was an amazing trip in an amazing country, the guide Giuseppe (sorry for spelling) was very informative but not overbearing. We had enough time at each spot and we luckily had a great group too which helped. We travel a lot but cannot shut up about this trip and recommend to all. Thank you and we are so glad we booked with this company
Afrizal
We had a fabolous experience with this tour. Blue lagoon is the perfect ending on my Iceland trip. To add into the full experience it snows and it was beautiful. Will recommend this tour highly.
Elaine Ihrie
We had a fabulous time on this tour. Robert spent enough time at each site, threw in some extras, and still got us to the Blue Lagoon in time. Blue Lagoon was the perfect ending to a full day of sightseeing. Robert was funny, knowledgeable, personable, and took care to make sure that we all had a lot of fun. Highly recommend this tour.
Magdiel Rivera Vargas
Excelent tour!!!! Everything was well organized and the tour guide was great! Highly recommended!!
JENINE WOLFE
Lucia! Lucia! Lucia! I couldn't have asked for a nicer, more informed, kind tour guide. She was personable, went out of her way to meet everyone's needs, and was full of great information about Iceland. This was the best day of my visit to Iceland. We saw so much, but never felt rushed. While I was loving the Blue Lagoon, she sweetly wrote me a detailed itinerary to help me take a self-driven tour the following day. Our driver, Michael (sorry about spelling), was wonderful as well. They made a dynamic duo. It was money well spent and if possible, request them as your guides. You won't be disappointed. I will definitely be back to Iceland and will try to find them again.
Linzi
Great trip with Addy! Really fun, informative and educational. We got to see some great sites! The trip was with nice travel, who are actually really nice!! Would definitely recommend this trip.
Lijuan Xu
It is good tour and everything goes well all the way.
Luke Spilsbury
We got to see all the sights on the trip and more because of our great tourguide Artur Jensson, the day was extremely well planned and he made sure everyone was okay and understood what he was saying. On the way to the Blue Lagoon Spa we had enough time to stop off at ´"Faxi" waterfalls as Artur said this was very beautiful...which it was!! The Bus was comfortable and had good wifi, the weather was all 4 seasons in one day but we loved it, thanks Artur my main man.
Paramita Palchaudhuri
Great trip! Good and helpful guide. Allowed us plenty of time at the sites and small group was good. Blue lagoon experience was fantastic and iceland is beautiful! Thank you!
Ning Wang
I take this tour yesterday, and the guide is very nice and handsome. And I really like the musics that played on the way, if that possible, could you give the songs name for me! Thank you very much! Of course, the Iceland is amazing ! I like here! I really want to came here again and take your company's travel again!
Sarah Hardy
Great tours with this company, knowledgeable guides and amazing sights in Iceland. Did Golden circle and South coast tours, tour guides were friendly and informative, small groups and saw all the sights. Recommend.
Shannon Mott
Amazing throughout- perfectly organised! The tour guide was incredible too!
Paige Flanagan
Epic! Could not have chosen a better guide (thanks Lu)! Our group was small so it felt very intimate and flexible, Lu made sure we kept to schedule so we'd see all the sights though, which was appreciated. We not only saw beautiful sights but learned a lot about Icelandic culture and heritage along the way. 5 stars, would absolutely recommend and hope to do again :)
Brianne Sullivan
This was an incredible small group tour. Our tour guide was amazing (Lu) and provided us with a lot of information about the Icelandic landscape, history, and culture. She was super nice too :) We saw so much in one day and ended with a relaxing trip to the Blue Lagoon. I highly recommend this tour and if you can recommend a tour guide - definitely ask for Lu!!
sarah
This was fantastic. Great pick up (and on time!) and a small mini bus so very good. Great stops along the way, good value for money and excellent timings. Tour guide was ace (Bob!) and was really knowledgeable, friendly and fun! He was quite new but made a real effort. The only thing to be improved would be the speaker system in the bus. Couldnt always hear him speaking. Also Blue Lagoon was packed. Not very enjoyable to be honest!
BICEN
Amazing day eventhough it was raining. The trip was planned perfectly. The guide was patient and he spoke good English. And the music in the van was awesome. I would definitely recommend this tour group to anyone looking for a great experience seeing Iceland!
Paul Blake
Such a great day, it was planned very very well, we were picked up from our hotel on time and kept very well informed on where we were going. Well recommended!
Carrie Jiang
Nice travel! Comfortably arranged and guided. About 2 hours stay in Blue Lagoon, feels perfectly good.
Stephanie
We had a great time on our tour with Tomas! The driver started by saving the day when picking us up and helping us figure out the parking meters in Reykjavik (above and beyond!) We then enjoyed the many stops around the golden circle and learning some of the fun facts that they shared. I would definitely recommend this tour group to anyone looking for a great experience seeing Iceland!
Izzy G.
The tour guide did his best for the horrible weather we had! Unfortunately the bus was a half an hour late. If you want to see all these sights in one day it's worth it, doesn't feel too long nor too short.
Lin Hsu
Antonio is a wonderful tour guide, full of energy and knowledge. He is funny and take good care of us. I'd suggest to wear waterproof clothes and boots if you are going during Oct and Nov. This tour covers many major sites, and you get to spend sometime in Blue Lagoon after. It's perfect!
Erin Sumpmann
The trip was well done! The weather unfortunately wasn't great, but the guide made the best of it. The Blue Lagoon was definitely the highlight for me.
Kim Wiley
This is an EXCELLENT trip! Even though it was raining the sights were amazing. Good value for the money.
Beth Jensen
Great value trip to some amazing sights. Definitely recommend it!
Cassandra King
Great trip and the guide was so funny. Loved the geyser and the waterfall. Incredible sights with nice people.
kim
It's interesting trip!! Nice guide, nice place Everthing is good!
Valtteri Munkki
I did this tour on my first full day in Iceland, and it was the perfect start to my stay. The Kerid crater was absolutely worth checking out alongside the more well-known must-see sights. Our guide Antonio made sure we not only saw the wonders of nature from the best spots but also heard a lot of facts and stories about the regions. Antonio and our driver, "the highlands legend" Arnar, kept the atmosphere relaxed and comfortable throughout the day!
Sarah Yang
i had a really nice day of the gold circle tour. The arrangement was great, and the tour guide Antonio was absolutely helpful an full of knowledge of Iceland. He knows really well about this country, explained to us very clearly,and funny. We all had a nice trip.
Jennifer Go
We had an extraordinary experience with Lucia. She was amazing and together with our driver Yonn, we had an amazing experience. She was full of information, was very very thoughtful and together with our driver, they went way out of their way to make the tour very very special for us. We strongly recommend this trip to anyone. They made our day very educational and so worth it.
Tony H. Y. Cheng
I enjoyed this trip a lot! Blue lagoon is a must-go. Other people in this group skipped it, but please don't! It is a perfect ending of the day.
Maya Traykova
This is a must-do tour. Our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable and we learnt a lot about Icelandic history. The highlight for me was the beautiful Gullfoss waterwall. I cried when I saw it. After a day of sightseeing around the Golden Circle, the perfect way to relax was at the Blue Lagoon. I had a very special experience. I highly recommend it! Thanks for everything! Maya
YANG JUN
There is no heating on the car, the weather storms and heavy rain, into the car and very crowded, the company did not feel so good evaluation.
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